[hutzlibu]

My first impression was the same, but later I came to the conclusion that it was just way more deep.

The first star wars was glorifying rebellious david against goliath setting and fun adventures. A young nobody becomes a hero for the good side. People identified with luke skywalker.

The later was way more about politics, intrigues and corruption of power. Not a bad story, but much more heavy (and depressing). A young nobody becomes a dark lord. Identifying with a dark lord? A bit harder.

(And the disney movies try to be simple again, but are too shallow for my taste, but are well shot)